What Steps Should You Take After Being Involved in a Ridesharing Accident?

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have both soared in popularity and completely disrupted the world of transport in what seems like a flash. Both options have their share of convenience, and also allow passengers to save when compared with traditional taxi services.

But while the democratization of transport does have its advantages for consumers, it also has a few disadvantages as well. For one, the screening process is much less rigorous with these services, which can sometimes lead to under qualified drivers taking the wheel. And when that happens, the risk of accidents is higher too. Getting involved in an accident of any sort is always distressing, and when you have recently suffered an injury as a ridesharing passenger, you have to know the sets of procedures  you need to take as well as your rights. Here’s what you should do if you become the victim of a ridesharing accident as a passenger.

Seek Medical Assistance Immediately

If you are involved in an accident, it’s very important that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible. You also have to make sure to follow instructions from the doctors to the letter and always follow prescriptions. Ignoring their advice of missing appointments will reflect badly on your case.

You also have to make sure that you note everything that you can from the scene, including accounts from witnesses, the other parties involved, and the Uber or Lyft driver. Also, try to take video or audio footage of the scene.

Contact a Lawyer

You should then contact a lawyer who’s familiar with these types of claims immediately after the accident. You should also try to get all the information you can on rideshare claims yourself so you won’t be committing some crucial errors, like oversharing on social media or accepting a premature offer from the insurance or ridesharing company. It’s very important that you do not agree to anything with insurance companies as they will try to find ways to discredit your claim. Only a qualified lawyer will make sure that you get properly compensated.

Understand from Whom You Can Seek Damages

Know that you could get compensation from multiple sources if you’ve been involved in a ridesharing accident. For instance, if the other party was at fault, you may be able to get compensation from their liability insurance. If an uninsured driver was involved and was at fault, also know that you could still be eligible for compensation from Uber and Lyft as they have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance for these cases up to 1 million.

If the Uber of Lyft driver was responsible however, you could get compensation not only from their insurance company, but from Uber or Lyft’s third-party liability coverage once the driver’s policy is exhausted.

Ridesharing accidents differ in many ways from regular accidents, and it’s essential that you know what to expect before you fight your case. Also, make sure that you keep the right team on your side to give you the advice necessary so you can get the compensation you’re entitled to.